The Water Heater Temperature Argument

There are different views on exactly what is the best temperature level at which to set ones water heater. Water Heater Repair Rockford IL will be sharing a few of the various views with particular proof from those sources in order for one to make his/her own decision on the topic.

First off, the default setting most water heater manufacturers have their products set at is 140 degrees. If you have actually never examined this already, that may be what it is set at. Likewise, it can be difficult to understand for sure what the temperature setting is since lots of times the temperature dial does not have degrees printed on it, simply warm, hot, really hot … something to that end. Some people feel they are pre-set at a higher temperature so it feels remarkable to have a lot of hot water – kind of like attempting to create excellent brand name awareness in consumers.

In terms of energy savings, by turning a water heater down from 140 to 120 degrees, it will save between 6 to 10 percent of total energy used. That equates to in between $6 to $20 a year in the majority of cases.

Let’s begin with the probably the most renowned source, the U.S. Department of Energy. They recommend a setting of 120 degrees. The link with their website above gives a great deal of good info on the best ways to reduce ones hot water usage and costs. It is for sure worth a read.

Now for the health threats of too low of a temperature setting. It can be concluded that Legionella bacteria has the optimal growth range in between 68 to 122 degrees. Treehugger states that “25 percent of all water heaters have varying levels of Legionella bacteria contamination.”

According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information: “There are two opposing risks when it comes to water temperature inside domestic water heaters; exposure to Legionella, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease (pulmonary legionellosis), and the risk of scalding.” (read more…)

Legionella bacteria triggers a form of pneumonia and is passed to humans when one inhales water contaminated with the bacteria – typically in showers, whirlpool baths or even air conditioning systems. Consuming the water is generally ok. It is an issue with having the bacteria get in ones lungs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 8,000 to 18,000 Americans contract the condition annually. 5 to 30 percent of the cases are fatal.

So choose if there are any issues of individuals burning themselves if the water temperature level is too hot. Likewise, be aware of any individual who has issues of contracting Legionella Disease. Because the yearly cost savings of turning the temperature down is just about $20 the majority of the time with the average home’s hot water use, it may be a good choice to keep the temperature above 120 degrees simply for the wellness related benefits; nonetheless, Water Heater Repair Rockford IL will let you make the call.

The following two videos reveal how to adjust the temperature on both an electric and a gas water heater in case you are not sure how to do so.